Cross-country road trips are on just about everyone’s bucket list, but they aren’t exactly a spontaneous thing. If you want to have an epic cross-country road trip, you’ve got to research and plan well in advance. From your route to your snacks, you’ll want everything to go smoothly while you’re enjoying the open road.
So here are six rules for an epic cross-country road trip:
1. Set aside enough time
Everyone wants to see the country, but not all of us have enough time to make it happen. It’ll take 48 hours of straight driving (no stops) to get from Miami to Seattle and another 48 to get back. So in theory, you could take a cross-country trip in 4 days, but not in reality. In reality, you’d stop for food and bathroom breaks along the way. And you may even want to add some pitstops to see tourist attractions.
If you’re going to plan a trip this big, you should have at least two weeks to devote to your vacation. The more time you have, the more you can explore.
2. Plan your route
It can take some time to plan a cross-country trip, but the time is worthwhile. Start by picking out the places you want to stop and where you want to rest your head. These may be one and the same. Then, as you get closer to your trip, you can use Google Maps to walk you through the journey. You’ll want to get a feel for where you’re going before you get into the car.
3. Get comfortable
If you don’t have a car you’re comfortable driving, consider renting one. For the ultimate experience, you may even want to rent a convertible. Just be sure to choose a rental plan with unlimited mileage, or you may end up paying an arm and a leg.
And if you’re taking your own vehicle, make sure your car is well-maintained. Get an oil change, check your tire pressure and top off any fluids before your trip. If you know your car needs other maintenance, be sure to take care of everything before your road trip. You don’t want to get stuck on the road.
For those traveling with friends or larger groups who don’t want to drive, renting a bus is always an option. Get a Modesto bus and enjoy the scenic views minus the worries.
4. Set aside enough funds
A road trip is like any other vacation, but it’ll likely span a few more days. Make sure you have enough of a vacation budget to eat, drink and have fun every day in addition to paying for gas. Once you’ve figured out how much you’ll need for all that, multiply the number by 1.5. That’s a good starting point to set aside for your road trip. If you can set aside more, do so.
Think about how you’ll handle worst-case-scenarios like getting stuck on the road. You’ll be many miles from home, so it’s important that you have enough disposable income to handle any issues that come your way.
5. Organize your stuff
When you’re embarking on such a long road trip, organization is the key to your sanity. Figure out how many outfits you’ll need for the car ride and pack them in an overnight bag or carryon. You’ll need to keep these handy because you’ll be accessing them throughout the trip. Store any games, electronics or snacks inside the vehicle’s cabin.
6. Relax and have patience
Inevitably, things will go wrong along the way. Remind yourself of this before you set out on the open road. This way, you’ll be more prepared when the inevitable happens. With a little hope, your mishaps will be minor, and you can get back to your trip without delay.
Cross-country road trips are popular bucket-list entries for a reason – they’re fun and memorable. Just follow the rules of the road trip (and the road) and your time will be epic.